Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has hailed the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Liman, which struck out the suit challenging the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the presidential candidate of the ADC commended the Nigerian judiciary for once again demonstrating courage, independence, and fidelity to the Constitution in the face of what he called ‘sustained attempts by desperate political actors to weaponise the courts against the opposition’.
Reacting to the ruling of the Federal High Court, which struck out the suit challenging the leadership of the ADC, Atiku described the decision as a victory not merely for the party but for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The Waziri Adamawa noted that the court’s decision reaffirmed the settled legal principle that political parties are governed by their constitutions and that internal disputes must first be resolved through the mechanisms provided therein.
“The court could not have been clearer. It rightly held that the matter borders on the internal affairs of the ADC, that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction, and that the plaintiffs neither exhausted the internal remedies provided by the party’s constitution nor established the locus standi required to invoke the jurisdiction of the court.
“We commend Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to be converted into an extension of partisan political warfare.
“There is an African proverb which says that ‘no matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break.’ Today’s ruling is another reminder that while political desperation may cast temporary shadows over our democracy, truth and justice will ultimately prevail.
“We are particularly encouraged because this judgment comes at a time when certain desperate elements operating from the corridors of power have sought, through every conceivable means, to destabilise the opposition and frustrate the growing aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire democratic change.
“From failed attempts to deregister political parties, to the sponsorship of proxy litigations, to the manipulation of institutions, Nigerians have witnessed an orchestrated campaign to weaken opposition politics. Today’s decision is a resounding affirmation that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and cannot be intimidated into legitimising political mischief.
“As the Yoruba wisely say, ‘The fowl that crows at dawn does not make the sun rise.’ Those who imagined that endless litigations could manufacture legitimacy or extinguish the resolve of the ADC have once again been reminded that justice cannot be procured through political intimidation.
“The David Mark-led National Working Committee emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the constitution of our great party. No amount of forum shopping or judicial adventurism can alter that fact….
“This victory is not an invitation to triumphalism. Rather, it is a renewed call for all democrats to continue strengthening our institutions and protecting the sanctity of the rule of law.
“As Chinua Achebe aptly observed, ‘One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.’ Today’s decision reflects that enduring principle.
“We congratulate the leadership of our great party under Distinguished Senator David Mark….
“The journey to reclaim Nigeria continues, and no amount of political intimidation, sponsored litigation, or abuse of state power will derail the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
Atiku urged all party members to remain calm, united, and focused on what he called the larger task of rescuing Nigeria from the unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and institutional decay inflicted upon our country by the present administration.
He also reassured Nigerians that the ADC remains united, focused, and determined to offer the credible alternative that our nation urgently needs.